US Government to Transfer COVID Antiviral Distribution to Commercial Market on Nov. 1

Most patients will retain access to Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Lagevrio COVID-19 treatment pills at little or no cost as commercial ordering begins, assisted by government supply until it runs out and compensation programs.

Beginning Nov. 1, the U.S. government will transfer the distribution of COVID-19 antivirals - Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Lagevrio - to the commercial market while continuing to assist with the distribution of government-owned supplies until depleted.
Pfizer's Paxlovid, the most common home COVID-19 treatment, was previously procured by the U.S. government at $530 per course and made available at no cost; Pfizer has set the price at nearly $1,400 per course before rebates and discounts.
Patients insured under Medicare and Medicaid will continue receiving Paxlovid free of charge until the end of 2024, and uninsured and underinsured patients will have cost-free access through 2028, supported by Pfizer's program funded by the return of 7.9 million courses of the medication.
Health providers can order government-supplied Langevrio until Nov. 10 and Paxlovid until Dec. 15, and are encouraged to continue distributing these treatments free of charge until supplies run out.
Despite the price increases, Pfizer and Merck are launching co-pay saving programs and financial assistance to ensure those in need have affordable access to these treatments.